False: The Indian government is providing a phase 4 COVID-19 relief fund.

By: Prajwal M
July 15 2021

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A WhatsApp message claiming that the Indian government is providing Phase 4 COVID-19 Relief Fund is fake. The center made no such announcement.The Indian government is providing a COVID-19 relief fund for its citizens, according to a viral WhatsApp message that has been extensively shared on multiple social media platforms. Individuals were encouraged to apply for the fund online via a website provided in the viral message. The WhatsApp message's URL, however, does not connect to a government website. In addition, there was no directive or notification from the government that the Phase 4 COVID-19 assistance cash was being distributed. When browsed by keyword on the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund website, there is no reference or mention of any COVID-19 relief fund directive. The United Way of Monroe County, in December 2020, announced a $208,000 Phase 4 donation to 25 human service groups in south-central Indiana. To help meet crucial needs during the pandemic, the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund has awarded about $1.6 million to 46 human service organizations and regional community foundations in Greene, Monroe, and Owen counties. However, the Indian government has not provided any such grant. To debunk the misleading information, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) conducted a fact check, determining that the WhatsApp forward is 'fake' and advised users not to believe such forwarded messages on social media platforms. It also advised users to avoid providing personal information on bogus websites.